219 South West LLC is proud to announce the redevelopment of the commercial building at 219 South West Street, on the corner of South West and West Fayette Streets. 219 South West is a small business development firm focused on creating sustainable models for the creative and artistic community. Collaborating with the Red House Arts Center and SubCat Music Studios, the 219 Project aims to redefine the concrete island adrift between the SALT District and Armory Square.
“There isn’t a mixed-use building quite like this in Central New York,” said Kristen Brandt, spokesperson for the 219 Project. “As a symbolic gateway to Armory Square and the SALT District, the 219 Project establishes a centrally located and accessible nexus for the growing artistic and creative community of downtown Syracuse. The 219 Project will specialize in arts-related services and demonstrating the feasibility of arts and technology business development.”
The new renovation project redefines the facility as a mixed-use occupancy that supports and compliments the programmatic needs of the Red House Arts Center and establishes a new center of artistic activity in the downtown area. Red House Art Radio will be housed in the cellar level. SubCat Music Studios will occupy the majority of the first floor and cellar level. Also on the first floor, a chic, European-style café, the Lounge will offer a limited, yet specialized menu of coffees, wines, drinks, appetizers and snacks. The second floor supports an array of functions including the Academy for Music and Performance, rehearsal space and tenant office space. Residential units on the third floor will house artists in residence and provide accommodation for visiting theater, dance or musical groups.
“The Near Westside Initiative is thrilled that this project is coming to fruition,” said Marilyn Higgins, Vice President of Community Engagement and Economic Development at Syracuse University and President of the Near Westside Initiative, Inc. “The Red House expansion epitomizes exactly what we are trying to achieve in the SALT district; a creative economy that involves both neighborhood residents and some of the most artistic people in our region. This project will bring the island between Armory Square and the Near Westside to life.”
On the exterior, new storefront glazing along South West Street will announce the building’s fresh identity to passing traffic and activate the pedestrian experience. In order to improve the presence of the building from the downtown area, renovations to the east façade will include re-cladding of the exterior tower and the extension of a new glass enclosed lobby to serve as the facilities primary entrance. Further, a new entrance from West Fayette Street will allow for easier access for visitors.
The renovation to the building will be completed in late spring 2010, with doors opening in early summer. VIP Structures is providing the main renovation and construction services for the 219 Project. “We are always excited to be involved in another project that improves the fabric of the Near Westside and surrounding community,” said Jim Herr, Vice President of VIP Structures.
“This is a huge win for the city of Syracuse as well as Visual, Performing Arts at Syracuse University,”
SubCat Music Studios
SubCat is a group of audio engineers – Ron Keck, Derek Yackel and Jeremy Johnston – that have a passion for creativity and originality. SubCat has expanded the studio services to include duplication services and graphic design. Working with such local and national artists as Makyo Star, Anorexic Beauty Queen, Brand New Sin, Colby O’Donis, Joanne Shenandoah and the Action!, and with local and national recording labels as Aux Records, Green Means Go, Interscope and Virgin, SubCat is the premiere Central New York recording studio.
The new custom, state-of-the-
“Being in Armory Square is perfect for our clients,” said Jason Eldridge, Manager of Duplication Services, SubCat. “The move into a new, larger space will allow us to better serve our clients.”
The Lounge
A chic, European-style café, the Lounge will offer a limited, yet specialized menu of coffees, wines, drinks, appetizers and snacks. The Lounge will also act as an extension to Red House’s current, cramped lobby. Patrons will be able to purchase tickets for upcoming Red House shows and merchandise. It will also be an extension of Red House’s Joan Lukas Rothenberg Gallery, where patrons can enjoy a variety of shows.
“We’re really excited about the Lounge,” said Mount. “The Red House will also be able to host smaller acoustic acts, spoken word performances, poetry readings and artists talks, in addition to what will be in the theatre.”
For SubCat, the Lounge is an invaluable space. Outfitted with live-feeds into the studio, the Lounge offers an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the recording process. A band can choose to invite fans and friends to the Lounge to watch them record.
“This feature is completely unique,” said Brandt. “Where else can you grab a really great cup of coffee and watch the hottest up-and-coming band record their album?”
Red House Art Radio
Temporarily relocated to the Red House, Red House Art Radio or Red Radio will be housed in the cellar level. Launched in May 2009, red radio is an innovative project of the Red House and is Central New York’s first listener-generated arts and ideas Internet radio station. Red Radio explores audio as an art-form and communication platform, featuring audio streaming and podcast archives. Red Radio is proudly supported by the Kaufman Foundation Enitiative Award, the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University Community Foundation of Central New York, SubCat Music Studios and 219.
“I think the 219 building will be a space where creative combinations will happen. It is an innovative approach to development in bringing together the arts, businesses and the public. Red Radio is excited about being in a building full of musicians and artists, tech geeks and those learning, as well as a café,” said Joanna Spitzner, Director of Programming for Red Radio and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University faculty member. “I think this could become a new kind of community center, and a center of energy in downtown Syracuse.”
“The 219 Project encapsulates the sort of development Syracuse needs: small businesses and organizations looking to create and add to the community,” said Brandt. “Collaboration is key for success.”
